This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on 2018-2024 Toyota Camry vehicles with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Windshield Washer Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Move wiper arms to vertical service position if possible, or mark their parked position with tape
4. Open hood and secure in raised position

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Loosen the 10mm negative battery terminal bolt and disconnect the negative cable. Secure the cable away from the battery post to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the protective caps at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 14mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nuts. Pull the wiper arms straight off the pivot posts using a rocking motion. If stuck, use a wiper arm puller tool to avoid damaging the linkage.
3. 3

   Remove cowl cover panels
   Remove the plastic cowl cover clips and fasteners along the windshield base. The 2018-2024 Camry uses a two-piece cowl design. Start by removing the rubber seal along the cowl edge, then remove the outer cowl covers by lifting up and pulling forward. Set aside all clips and fasteners in a container.
4. 4

   Disconnect washer hoses
   Locate the washer fluid hoses connected to the wiper arms supply points under the cowl. Pinch the hose clamps and slide them back, then carefully pull the hoses off the connectors. Have a drain pan ready as some fluid will spill. Cap or plug the hoses to prevent further leakage.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the cowl area. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the motor. On some models, there may be a connector retaining clip that needs to be released first.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Use a 10mm socket to remove the three wiper motor mounting bolts. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping and damaging the linkage or surrounding components.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the linkage pivot nuts at both the driver and passenger side positions where the linkage arms connect to the pivot posts. Use a 12mm socket to remove these nuts. There are typically two pivot points that secure the linkage assembly to the cowl structure.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor and linkage assembly out as a single unit through the cowl opening. The assembly may need to be angled and rotated to clear the cowl structure and firewall. Take care not to scratch painted surfaces or damage the windshield seal.
   ⚠Linkage arms may have residual spring tension and can pinch fingers during removal
9. 9

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new wiper linkage and motor assembly into the cowl area, orienting it the same way the original was removed. Align the pivot posts with their mounting holes in the cowl structure. Ensure all linkage arms move freely and are not binding against any components.
10. 10

    Install pivot nuts and motor bolts
    Hand-thread the linkage pivot nuts onto both pivot posts, then torque to specification using a 12mm socket. Install the wiper motor mounting bolts and torque to specification with a 10mm socket. Verify the linkage moves smoothly through its full range of motion.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical and washer connections
    Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Reconnect the washer fluid hoses to their supply points and slide the hose clamps back into position. Verify all connections are secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl covers and wiper arms
    Reinstall the cowl cover panels in reverse order of removal, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly seated. Install the rubber cowl seal. Place the wiper arms onto the pivot posts in their correct parked position, install the retaining nuts, and torque to specification. Close the protective caps.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification using a 10mm socket. Ensure the connection is clean and tight.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cowl panel clips are fully seated to prevent wind noise
2. Verify wiper arms are in correct parked position before final tightening
3. Check that washer hoses are not kinked or pinched under cowl covers
4. Reset power window auto-up/down function by fully opening then fully closing each window while holding the switch

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test wiper operation in all speed settings including intermittent mode
• Verify wipers park correctly in the lowest position on the windshield
• Test washer fluid spray function at both wiper positions
• Check for any unusual noise, binding, or irregular movement during wiper operation
• Verify wiper blades make full contact with windshield through entire sweep range
• Check cowl area for any water leaks during washer operation

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